Environment

The City of Lansing cares about the environment! The City seeks to raise awareness about environmental issues, minimize pollution and promote and achieve an environmentally sustainable city environment.

City in the Forest

Lansing is called "The City in the Forest" because of the more than 1,000,000 trees around the City. Get more information on Lansing's tree types [PDF] . Lansing has a long history of Urban Forestry Operations dating to the late 1800s when the first tree planting ordinances were adopted. The Forestry Section of Parks and Recreation ranks among the top programs of its kind in the country and has been designated a "Tree City USA" twenty-three times.

Greater Lansing Area Clean Cities

Greater Lansing Area Clean Cities (GLACC) is a coalition of government, businesses, schools, and nonprofit organizations working to improve air quality and reduce demand for imported fuels in mid-Michigan. GLACC promotes and facilitates the usage of alternative fuels and cleaner transportation options through educational programs and community outreach activities.

Tri County Environmental Leadership Awards

Established in 2003 by local recycling coordinators, the tri county environmental leadership awards recognizes and support individuals and organizations in Mid-Michigan with exemplary waste reduction, recycling, energy conservation and other environmental practices.

Capital Area Recycling and Trash (CART) Education and Outreach Activities

The City of Lansing has provided curbside recycling services, in addition to trash and yard waste collection, to all single family households since 1991. The City also offers a variety of community education and outreach opportunities focused on creating and enhancing an environmental ethic in Lansing. Other environmental initiatives include special recycling collections for books, computers and electronics and other "hard to recycle" items. Additionally, recycling services are often provided at many Lansing festivals, activities and events. CART also provides curbside recycling service to schools located in the City of Lansing and is available for school presentations.

Environmental Partners

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is responsible for the conservation and management of the state's natural resources. Through education and grants to local units of government, the DNR works to promote urban and community forestry and preserve Michigan's abundant plant and animal populations and their habitats. The law enforcement division oversees and regulates outdoor recreation in the state. The department enforces laws related to hunting, fishing and trapping, governs the operation of boats, snowmobiles and recreational vehicles. The DNR also provides all licenses and permits required for these and other activities.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture acts to protect, promote and preserve the food, agricultural, environmental and economic interests of the people of Michigan. MDA works cooperatively with federal, state, and local government agencies to provide citizens quality services and information to ensure the following:

safety of food purchased at local grocery stores

healthy and pest free trees and flowers

pest free schools and public buildings

properly cared for animals and safe pet food at pet stores

purity of gasoline

On a local level, the Michigan Department of Agriculture has also partnered with the City of Lansing on several occasions. Recently the MDA helped remove City trees infested with Emerald ash borer and plant new trees to help restore the environment.

Michigan Arbor Day Alliance (MADA) is a coalition of organizations and agencies dedicated to the promotion of Arbor Day. MADA offers free educational materials and other resources to Michigan residents to foster statewide participation in Arbor Day events. The MADA also coordinates Michigan's National Arbor Day Foundation Poster Contest and hosts the state's largest Arbor Day Celebration in Lansing.

The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) acts to protect and enhance the state's environment for an improved quality of life and a sustainable future. In service to the public, The MDEQ administers programs and enforces laws that protect public health and promotes appropriate use of the environment. The MDEQ also preserves endangered plants, animals, and ecosystems through education and public/private partnerships and initiatives.

The Ingham County Department of Environmental Health (ICDEH) works to prevent disease and protect human health in the community through the prevention and control of environmental health hazards. ICHED provides a range of information services including current data on air, soil and water quality, and potential health threats to the area.

The Michigan Environmental Council (MEC) provides a collective voice for the environment at the local, state and federal levels. Since 1980, MEC has been responsible for countless victories for the environment. Working in partnership with 75 member groups and their collective membership of nearly 200,000 residents, MEC tackles important issues affecting Michigan's environment.

The Neighborhood Environmental Partners (NEP) Program was created by the DEQ in 2004 to identify the outstanding efforts of businesses and organizations that collaborate with the local community to launch significant environmental projects. Projects range from river clean-ups to helping preserve endangered plant species.